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Back to School Tips by Cheyenne Pratt , Vet Technician , Calico Creek Vets
The back to school season brings a lot of changes to the household . It ’ s not only an adjustment for kids and parents , but for family pets , too . When the school year starts back up , families won ’ t be spending as much time at home with their pets . This sudden change in routine can lead to separation anxiety and bad behavior . Here are a few things you can do to make the back to school transition a little easier .
Your pets may adjust better to being left alone if you prepare them ahead of time . A few weeks before school starts , leave them home alone for short periods of time . Slowly increase the amount of time your pets are left alone and do this until school starts . This gradual change gives them time to acclimate to the new routine and it will be less overwhelming .
Dogs and cats do best when they have a daily routine . It gives them a sense of security and helps reduce stress and anxiety . Although your family ’ s routine may change when school starts , it ’ s important that you keep your pet ’ s daily routine as consistent as possible . Try to stick to the same feeding , exercise , and bathroom schedule through the summer so you don ’ t have to make changes that will be stressful for your pets when summer vacation is over .
It may be helpful to create a “ safe space ” for your pet for when you ’ re away . This is a safe and comfortable area of your home that is designated just for them . It should include a pet bed and toys to keep them entertained . Interactive toys like Kongs and puzzle feeders will help keep dogs busy . Cats also benefit from interactive toys because they prevent boredom and provide the exercise they need . Puppies and adult dogs that tend to be mischievous should be crate trained or put in a dog-proofed room for their own safety . For a calming effect , put an item in your pet ’ s space that has your scent on it . You can also purchase calming products , such as pheromone diffusers or sprays ( i . e . ThunderEase and Feliway ) to help them feel secure . Some pets feel more relaxed if they have background noise , like a radio or TV .
Pets need to get enough exercise every day for their health and well-being . Daily exercise burns off excess energy , reduces anxiety , and gives them something to look forward to every day . Pets that lack physical and mental stimulation are more likely to become bored and destructive . Take a walk or play a game of fetch with your dog before the family leaves for the day . This will tire your dog out and he ' ll be more likely to relax and sleep most of the day .
Pawsitively Pets -- August
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Recalls :
Viva , North Carolina : Recalling one lot of Viva Turkey For Dogs , Viva Beef & Turkey For Puppies , Viva Turkey For Dogs ( Ground ), Viva Turkey For Dogs ( Chunked ), and Viva Turkey For Cats , due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination . Info : 919-371-8882 Monday-Friday , 9am-5pm EST . ( 7 / 2 / 24 )
TDBBS LLC , Richmond , VA : Recalling Green Tripe dog treats due to the potential presence of foreign metal objects in the dog treat . The recall is limited to certain lots distributed from February to May 2024 and sold nationwide in retail stores and through online mail orders . Info : 877-583-5853 . ( 6 / 20 / 24 )
Mars Petcare , Chicago , Illinois : Recalling Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food , 44 pound bags , sold by Walmart in Arkansas , Louisiana , Oklahoma , and Texas . Recall due to potential presence of loose metal pieces in the bag , which could pose a choking hazard . Info : 1-800-525-5273 / online at www . pedigree . com / update . ( 5 / 17 / 24 )
Viva , North Carolina : Recalling one lot of Viva Duck for Dogs ( Ground ), Viva Duck for Dogs ( Chunked ), Viva Duck for Cats , and Viva Pure Duck ( for cats and dogs ) due to potential Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination . Info : ( 919 ) 371-8882 between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday . ( 1 / 27 / 24 )
Source : dogfoodadvisor . com , amva . org
Calico Creek Veterinary Clinic
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